Internal Medicine
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Internal Medicine, also known as general medicine, is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Internists, or doctors specializing in internal medicine, are experts in managing complex and chronic conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The scope of internal medicine is vast, covering nearly every organ system, and includes both primary and subspecialty care.
The field of internal medicine is often seen as the first point of contact for adult patients with health concerns. Internists are trained to evaluate a wide variety of symptoms, integrate clinical information, and develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. These physicians emphasize whole-body wellness, preventive care, and health promotion. They are equipped to handle undifferentiated conditions and are often consulted by other specialists for complex diagnostic issues.
What sets internal medicine apart is its holistic approach to adult care, which integrates multiple specialties. Internists focus on a patient-centered approach, examining how diseases interact within the body and how they affect the patient's quality of life. They manage both acute and chronic conditions, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care that includes preventive measures, medication management, lifestyle recommendations, and support in navigating the healthcare system.
Procedure Duration
The duration and process of receiving internal medicine care vary significantly depending on the patient's condition and needs. Unlike surgical procedures that have a well-defined time frame, internal medicine encompasses long-term and sometimes lifelong care for chronic conditions and overall health management.
Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
The first phase of internal medicine care typically involves an extensive consultation with a thorough review of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and necessary diagnostic testing (such as blood tests, imaging studies, and more specialized exams). This phase can range from a single appointment to multiple sessions if complex issues require in-depth investigation.
Treatment and Management
Once a diagnosis is established, treatment and management follow. This phase can involve a variety of interventions, from medication to lifestyle modifications, and may require collaboration with other specialists. For chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, internists play an ongoing role in monitoring the condition, adjusting treatment as needed, and preventing complications. Treatment may involve regular follow-ups, either in-person or through telehealth consultations, to track the patient's progress.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Care
The duration of care extends into long-term follow-up, which is critical for monitoring chronic conditions, preventing relapses, and ensuring optimal health outcomes. Depending on the patient's needs, follow-up care can be as frequent as every few weeks or as far apart as once or twice a year. The internist acts as the main point of contact for the patient's overall health journey, coordinating care among other specialists when needed and providing a continuity of care that adapts to the patient's evolving needs.
Benefits of Internal Medicine
- Comprehensive Care: Internists provide holistic management of a patient's health, considering how different conditions and body systems interact.
- Chronic Disease Management: Expertise in handling long-term conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders with a focus on improving the quality of life.
- Preventive Health Focus: Emphasis on disease prevention through screenings, health education, and lifestyle advice.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Internal medicine often involves coordinating care with other medical specialties for a comprehensive approach.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient's care plan is tailored based on individual health needs, preferences, and goals.
Potential Destinations
1. Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its world-class healthcare services and state-of-the-art medical facilities. With a robust private healthcare sector, it provides highly qualified internists, comprehensive care, and cutting-edge technology. Medical tourists appreciate Thailand's affordability, quality of care, and the availability of English-speaking healthcare professionals.
2. India
India has emerged as a popular destination for internal medicine and chronic disease management due to its skilled physicians, modern facilities, and affordable costs. The country has a strong focus on internal medicine education, with internists often trained in both traditional medicine and contemporary practices, providing an integrative approach to care.
3. Turkey
Turkey’s healthcare system is recognized for its modern hospitals, experienced physicians, and advanced diagnostic services. The country offers an attractive balance of quality care and cost-effectiveness, making it a favorable destination for those seeking internal medicine services.
4. Singapore
Singapore is known for its high healthcare standards, advanced medical technology, and well-trained medical professionals. While the costs are generally higher than in other Southeast Asian countries, the quality of care is exceptional. Singapore’s internal medicine services are sought after by patients seeking thorough diagnostic workups and comprehensive disease management.
5. Mexico
For North American patients seeking cost-effective internal medicine services, Mexico provides high-quality care, shorter waiting times, and proximity. Many Mexican healthcare providers cater to international patients, offering bilingual services and personalized treatment plans for chronic and acute conditions.
Risks & Considerations
- Variability in Care Standards: Different countries have varying healthcare standards, which can impact the quality and consistency of internal medicine care.
- Language Barriers: Miscommunication can occur when patients and healthcare providers do not share a common language, affecting the clarity of medical advice and treatment plans.
- Follow-Up Care Challenges: Ongoing treatment for chronic conditions may require continuous monitoring, which can be difficult when receiving care abroad.
- Cost Considerations: While medical care abroad can be more affordable, hidden costs such as medication, travel, and accommodation may add up.
- Cultural Differences: Understanding cultural norms and healthcare practices in the destination country is crucial to ensuring that patients feel comfortable and receive the best possible care.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right internal medicine specialist and hospital is crucial for successful treatment. Patients should research potential internists, focusing on their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. Look for professionals who have undergone extensive training and are board-certified in internal medicine. Reviews from other patients, as well as recommendations from local healthcare professionals, can also provide valuable insights.
When choosing a hospital, consider its accreditation, facilities, and the availability of modern diagnostic equipment. International accreditation standards can be a reliable indicator of the quality of care provided. It's also essential to verify the hospital’s experience in treating specific conditions and their support for international patients, including language assistance and follow-up care.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
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If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
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Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
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Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
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The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
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The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
